Tri-cities preparing loose leaf collection programs

Starting at the end of the month, the City of Waterloo’s loose leaf collection program will begin.

On Oct. 30, if it’s the first day of your estimated collection date, the city asks residents to rake leaves from the trees on your boulevard to the curb by 7 a.m.

Bob Henderson, Director of Transportation Services, told CityNews that the public needs to know that the program is not intended for leaves and trees that are on your property.

“The program is essentially meant to address trees that are on city boulevards only. You’re certainly welcome to rake leaves that are dropping from boulevard trees and the city will come and collect those.”

Henderson also asked that nobody rake or blow leaves on to the sidewalks or roadways, especially if there are bike lanes or storm drains.

He said leaves building up on bike lanes is a safety hazard for cyclists and if a storm drain is blocked, it can cause flooding.

Henderson also told CityNews that there are ways to use leaves on your lawn for good.

“Leaves provide some benefits to soil. They provide nutrients and are great for your lawn. Mulching them can help fertilize your lawn.”

If you need to find out your estimated collection date, you can use the City of Waterloo Leaf Collection map here.

Information on leaf collection in the City of Kitchener can be found here.

The same can be found for the City of Cambridge here.